Forty years ago, the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland opened its doors, providing a welcoming and supportive place to stay for families whose children receive treatment at area medical centers. Since then, thousands of families have passed through those doors to find comfort and strength for their children. It was a passionate group of parents, medical professionals and friends who worked tirelessly to create this legacy of love, and with gratitude we dedicate this anniversary year to them, and to those who continue to keep their vision going strong.

It all began in February of 1978, when pediatric oncologist Dr. Samuel Gross of Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital met with a group of parents whose children he was treating to discuss the concept of the Ronald McDonald House. By that November, those and other key parents had organized into a working nucleus and reached a preliminary agreement to purchase the College Motel near Rainbow. The group presented their project plan to McDonald’s owners in Northeast Ohio, who gave them unanimous backing and a $150,000 pledge. Shortly thereafter, the parents formally incorporated a non-profit organization, Children’s Oncology Services of Northeastern Ohio, secured a mortgage and credit line, and took title to the College Motel. Things moved quickly after that.

The community soon realized the value of an organization that could provide care to families in a time of need and pitched in with tremendous support. Cleveland Browns player Thom Darden became the first Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland spokesman. Over the next several months fundraisers were held to benefit the organization, including a “Shamrock Shake” promotion at local McDonald’s restaurants, a Cleveland Indians ice cream promotion and a Gym-a-Thon. There was even a donkey basketball game; donkeys were brought into the Orange High School gym, and the Orange and Pepper Pike police departments played against the WGAR and Channel 43 All-Stars. The game raised $1,500, equal to about $5,100 today. Eventually more than $150,000 was raised to make the Ronald McDonald House dream a reality.

Meanwhile, work continued on the building as more than 200 parents and friends volunteered and scavenged furnishing and materials for the new House. By September 1979 the building exterior and parking lot were finished and 75 volunteers joined forces to clean the interior. Painters, wallpaper hangers, plumbers and carpet layers applied the final touches and the Ray Kroc Foundation contributed $25,000 to the project.

On September 25, 1979, the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland opened, with rooms to host up to 25 families per night. By the early 1990s, as the Cleveland Clinic and other area hospitals grew, stays at the House were in such demand that the need to expand became apparent.

After more than ten years at the original location, an agreement was reached with the Cleveland Clinic for the purchase of a four-acre plot at the corner of Euclid Avenue and E. 105th Street, once a jumping area known as Doan’s Corners. The site had fallen into decay over the decades and the Clinic sold it to the Ronald McDonald House for $1. Funding for construction was secured with the help of Ronald McDonald House Charities, and in the spring of 1994 a new 37-family House was opened at the current location.

Ronald McDonald House in 1994

Ronald McDonald House in 2013

Ronald McDonald House in 2018

Ronald McDonald House (back) in 2018

In 2013, again faced with lengthy waiting lists, the House was fully renovated and a new wing was added, increasing capacity to 55 families per night. Through the years, the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland has also added innovative services to help more families in times of need. These programs include Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s, Cleveland Clinic Children’s, Cleveland Clinic Fairview, and MetroHealth Medical Center. RedTreehouse.org, the Ronald McDonald Family Resource Link, connects families to important resources they need throughout the state of Ohio, and the new Ronald McDonald STAR Centers at the UH Rainbow Center for Women and Children and Cleveland Clinic Children’s Outpatient Center provide a fun and welcoming learning environment for children while family members receive focused outpatient care.

Support Organizations, Events, Tools and Webinars are just a click away!

One of the ways the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland supports families is through our online family resource link, www.RedTreehouse.org. Red Treehouse is free to use and offers a comprehensive directory of organizations, an events calendar, tools and helpful guides on a wide range of topics affecting families. All of these resources are searchable by Condition/Issue, Service Category, Location, Age Group and Key Word. An interactive map allows users to easily view what’s in their local community, and people can also submit events, organizations, suggested updates and stories. All submissions are reviewed for accuracy and relevance before posting, and site content is continually updated by our team and community partners to ensure timeliness.

We needed to learn about things like early intervention, physical and occupational therapy, government benefits, special education, long term care… All of these things families can find on Red Treehouse.

— Helen Rapp, Esq., Special Needs Parent, RTh Contributor

Red Treehouse was originally part of the Tools for Today and Tomorrow program, which was a collaborative effort of 22 hospitals, universities and social service organizations that had come together in 2003 to help families access needed information, resources and support. By 2006 the consortium had held numerous family focus groups and two successful conferences covering medical and educational advocacy, family relationships, financial tools and legal issues presented by experts in the fields of medicine, education, law, finance, psychology and social work. That same year, the program expanded and became a full-time program of the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland. In 2007 the first Tools for Today website was launched. In 2011, through a partnership with Ohio Family and Children First, the site branched out from Northeast Ohio, becoming a broader statewide resource known as Red Treehouse. Since then, the site has continued to grow and new features, original content and informational webinars have been added.

Kwame Christian, Esq., M.A. is an attorney, mediator, and author of the new book, Nobody will Play with Me.

Live webinars, currently made possible by a grant from the Ohio State Bar Foundation, are free to join and available for playback on demand. Topics are based on user suggestions and are presented by experts in their fields. The latest webinar, How to Find Confidence in Conflict, with Kwame Christian, Esq., M.A., Director of the American Negotiation Institute, garnered such interest that a follow-up podcast was recorded to discuss attendee inquiries. Red Treehouse and Mr. Christian will team up again live on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 from 12 – 1:30 pm EST to discuss Using Compassionate Curiosity to Find Confidence in Conflict, a powerful framework for handling difficult conversations in any setting. More information, registration and previous webinars are all available at www.redtreehouse.org/webinars.

Thanks so much for making this presentation available. I will be using these principles on a regular basis both in my volunteer work and my personal life.

The guide on 504 Plans pointed me to all the information I needed to request appropriate school accommodations for my son.

— Red Treehouse User

Red Treehouse listings are unpaid; sales pitches, fundraisers, unproven medical claims and advertorials are not accepted. This helps ensure that information found on the site is accurate and unbiased. A user account is not required, but those who sign up are able to save their search criteria and subscribe to our free monthly newsletter. We encourage organizations to submit profiles and events for inclusion in our directory and welcome user feedback. We also post updates and information on our Facebook and Twitter pages at @RedTreehouseOH.

Bob Watson has been reading comic books for as long as he can remember, and began collecting them around the age of 8. Over the years, he found hope and inspiration in the journeys of the heroes he followed as they battled numerous villains and overcame personal struggles. His love of comics really began to soar during high school when his mom bought him Spider-Man #1, which at that time was already a much sought-after comic book. During the 1980s, Bob began collecting comics in quantity. From Marvel to DC, he amassed more than 4,000 comics that followed the likes of the Avengers, Batman, Wonder Woman and Star Wars.

Bob (left) with comic book legend and famous Superman artist, Murphy Anderson (right)

2008 Superman Celebration with 122 fans dressed as Superman to set World Record. Bob was the only BALD Superman!

Bob (left) in retro-Lex Luthor costume at 2010 Superman Celebration

Bob’s daughter, Sarah, focuses in sketching flamingos at the zoo

As the years went by, Bob’s efforts collecting comic books slowed as he started a family and worked as a letter carrier. Never far away though were the comic books and the tales of heroes from around the galaxy. As Bob’s daughter, Sarah, grew, so too did her love for comic books. What was once just Bob’s passion turned into a bonding experience between father and daughter. Sarah has since turned her passion for comics into professional works as she’s honed her skills drawing everything from animals at the zoo to entering an art contest in 2007’s Superman Celebration in Metropolis, IL.

As the nation’s interest in comics began to explode in the early 2000s with movies like X-Men and Spider-Man, so too did the desire for people to want to meet these heroes in person. Bob eventually would go on to dress up as Lex Luther, Superman’s arch nemesis, and even as Superman himself. Various other super hero groups began to emerge, one of them being Super Heroes to Kids in Ohio, a nonprofit whose mission is to spread good will through simple acts of kindness and recognize individuals who’ve battled through adversity, all while being dressed as the most iconic super heroes. The group has since become partners with the Ronald McDonald House in 2016, hosting super visits and activities for our families once a month, annually sponsoring guest room 218, attending events like Pull Tab Palooza in 2017 and 2018, and raising awareness, funds and countless smiles and laughter for the House.

With Bob’s collection of comic books totaling more than 4,000, he and his family realized that it was becoming increasingly difficult to move so many books. Looking for a home where he could donate his comics so that others could get as much joy out of them as he and Sarah did, Bob found the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland, who then invited their amazing friends from Super Heroes to Kids in Ohio to welcome Bob and his donation of comic books.

I wanted to make sure kids would get to read these books and the Ronald McDonald House was a great fit. When I learned Super Heroes to Kids in Ohio was involved it was fantastic! They also received some comics and I’m so happy they’ll be distributed to kids far and wide!

— Bob Watson

Since Bob’s generous donation, Ronald McDonald House and Super Heroes to Kids in Ohio have given many of his books to families and kids who are embarking in their own journeys of adversity. Within the books they are able to find examples of strength and hope that help them in their own battles. Please join us in thanking Bob and Super Heroes to Kids in Ohio for their generosity, support and for being super inspirations for our very own heroes of the House! Excelsior!

When Katie Stubblefield arrived in Cleveland in 2014, her survival was anything but certain. Just 18 years old and with a bright future ahead, Katie had suffered a gunshot wound that left most of her face destroyed but miraculously missed her brain. Trauma doctors in Memphis said the injuries were the worst they had seen and the only way to help Katie was something her family had never heard of: a face transplant. First, Katie needed to live and her best chance was in Cleveland.

In an instant, Robb and Alesia Stubblefield found themselves doing what any parent would, but few can even imagine. “Alesia and I simply gave up everything to do what we could to aid Katie on this arduous, yet necessary path. From Oxford to Memphis to Cleveland we went” says Robb, and on August 17, 2014 they checked into the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland, their home ever since.

We are beyond grateful to the Ronald McDonald House. Without their support this would not have been possible. It’s more than just a place to sleep and get food, but a place to lock arms with other people.

— Robb Stubblefield, Katie's father

Over the next two and a half years Katie endured 22 surgeries and worked through countless therapies to regain strength, mobility and speech. Her parents were constantly by her side, kept strong by their faith and the community they found in staff, volunteers and families at the Ronald McDonald House. During outpatient periods, Katie came “home” to the House and Robb and Alesia tended to her round-the-clock. Katie’s sunny personality shined through her injured exterior and she was buoyed by the lasting friendships she formed with other guests.

After three years of hard work and hope, the moment finally arrived. On May 4, 2017, Katie underwent a 31-hour operation to receive her new face. Three months later, she came home with her parents to the Ronald McDonald House, their journey far from over. The next year brought three more major surgeries to improve Katie’s function, along with over 20 rehab sessions and appointments per week. Managing her daily medications was a job in itself and Alesia performed it vigilantly. Gradually, the nerves and muscles in Katie’s new face began responding, improving her ability to eat, speak and become more self-sufficient. Her family and medical team are thrilled with her progress. Katie poignantly says “I feel whole again.”

Despite more surgeries and hard work ahead, Katie, Robb and Alesia are thriving and once again face a bright future. The study of Katie’s face will aid in the development of improved treatments for injured soldiers.

She plans to attend college, looking forward to a career helping others. The family has already begun sharing their story to inspire others and to thank all who have given Katie, as she says, “a second chance at life.”

Without your generosity, your gift, your kindness and expression of love and giving, we would not be able to know the miraculous turn of events that our daughter has known and our family has been able to experience.

— Robb Stubblefield, Katie's father

Please give today to help us support all Ronald McDonald House families on their journeys of healing.

As Robb says, “Thank you in advance for your generosity. Because of people like you, the Ronald McDonald House fulfills its call and is able to help us, we’re able to help our daughter… and we’re just one of many, many families.”

This was the message that Evan Burgess brought to the world each day. Whether it was through an interaction with a stranger, or with a friend he’d known for years, Evan always carried a sense of optimism and happiness with him no matter the circumstance or situation.

Evan was born on September 4, 1994 with a heart condition that caused only a portion of his heart to function properly. With the outlook grim, doctors gave Evan only two years to live. Evan’s father Chris and his mother Bonnie brought him home from the hospital knowing the challenge ahead, yet unwavering in their optimism that Evan would grow up to lead a fulfilling life. Two years turned into four, four into eight, eight into sixteen, and eventually Evan became a young man beaming with passion and love for life. However, Evan’s heart condition was always looming and led to many medical challenges and long rides to and from hospitals for lab tests. While his heart condition didn’t slow him down, it gave Evan and his family the perspective that life is precious and every moment is one to be savored.

His physical heart had always been fragile, but despite its weakness, it was a force of light driving him forward; it was a heart of gold. And this heart was running with love alone.

— Bonnie Perkovic, Evan’s Mother

Always moving forward in life, Evan lived in London, Vancouver and Cleveland. Everywhere Evan went he developed close friendships that became like family and helped others see the best in themselves. In one instance, when a friend of Evan’s told him that she was considering committing suicide, Evan provided solace by saying “If you’ve had the worst day of your life, the day is going to end, and it will be tomorrow soon. It doesn’t stop what happened, but each day puts some distance between you and that really awful day, it becomes easier.” In the words of his friend, “Evan made me feel loved, not alone or as broken. I can’t express how much that meant to me.” In the short time he was in Cleveland, he fell in love with the city and decided to make it his home. He went on to work at Becky’s Bar, where he met his girlfriend, Liz, and made many friends.

Sadly, on the morning of October 17, 2018, Evan passed away from his heart condition. He had just turned 24. During his life, Evan touched the hearts of many children and adults alike, leaving a special mark. He cared deeply for others, including his younger brother, Graham, and his cousins who idolized him.

In search of a way to honor Evan’s memory, his family and friends started Evan’s Bears with the purpose of spreading his love and kindness to children dealing with medical issues. When searching for a place to donate bears to help cement Evan’s legacy of love, the family found a welcome home in the arms of children and their families staying at the Ronald McDonald House.

It is fitting that teddy bears should bring love and joy to all of the children in the comfort of the Ronald McDonald House who are facing their own medical challenges.

— Bonnie

More than 100 bears were collected at Evan’s funeral in Cleveland. His family from around the world visited the Ronald McDonald House to donate Evan’s Bears to families, proving that even without past connection to the House, a donation of kindness and comfort is always welcome. After their initial donation, bears continued to arrive at the House from people honoring Evan’s memory. Evan’s family aims to provide an annual donation of Evan’s Bears to the Ronald McDonald Houses in Vancouver, London and Cleveland, ensuring that his legacy of love and compassion lives on. Please join us in giving thanks to Evan and his family for spreading joy and happiness to hundreds of children and their families.

Nearly 200 volunteers of the Ronald McDonald House, Family Rooms and programs were recognized for their contributions at the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch on November 3. Guests gathered for a delicious meal and award ceremony at Stillwater Place, followed by strolls through the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Recognition of volunteers by years of service, from one to thirty, was followed by presentations for Volunteers of Merit and the Willa Jones Award.

Volunteers are unpaid not because they are worthless, but because they are Priceless. 

— Anonymous

THE WILLA JONES AWARD

The Willa Jones Award recognizes a House volunteer who, like Willa, is steady and unwavering in commitment to our mission. Willa offered her services before the original House officially opened. Willa volunteered from that time forward, with absences only because of her health or when a family member was in need. She “retired” from the House at age 93, after serving for 28 years.

A Willa Jones Award recipient exemplifies Willa’s salt-of-the-earth manner of caring for families – without condition – with a soft and caring conviction. The honoree is someone who is positive about all that takes place, always trusting that staff and Board are making good decisions, and always willing to be retrained when changes take place. This person is quieter and doesn’t do big, bold, noticeable things, but is nonetheless the core of what makes the House so welcoming and effective.

2018 WILLA JONES AWARD WINNER, DAVE WILLIAMS

Dave Williams joined our team as a maintenance volunteer in December 2014 and transitioned to become a front desk volunteer in 2015. In less than four years, he has accumulated nearly 1,100 volunteer service hours, which doesn’t count his many shifts at special events, including Night at the Races and selling 50/50 raffle tickets at Bridgestone.

Dave often covers additional weekend and evening shifts, arrives early or stays late to fill unexpected needs, and apologizes if he is not able to cover extra shifts. Dave was honored as a Volunteer of Merit in 2016, and continues to provide excellent service to families, in a quiet and caring manner. He is reliable and capable, and truly epitomizes Willa’s quiet, steadfast commitment to our mission.

2018 VOLUNTEERS OF MERIT

Janice has been a Front Desk Volunteer for over two years. She comes in weekly on Thursday afternoons and, many times, offers to work addition shifts, including holidays. With a constant smile but quiet demeanor, Janice is a chameleon of sorts in that she easily relates and fits in with all ages, including the young professionals on her shift who admire her greatly. She does whatever it takes to care of our guests, and for these reasons, cited and uncited, is a 2018 Volunteer of Merit.

Debra submitted a volunteer application over four years ago because she had just begun a one-year sabbatical from her position as a professor of nursing. She said she wanted to help us, but was also “doing this for herself.” We expected her to leave us when her sabbatical concluded, but fortunately for us, she has continued weekly shifts in addition to the many other responsibilities she balances. At the beginning of her shift, she’s off and running, tending to the laundry, restocking supplies, prepping rooms, and not returning to the Front Desk until everything’s been done to her satisfaction. She often provides helpful feedback, always with the intentions of improving our services, always spoken with the utmost respect and kindness. We’re grateful for her efforts and continuing dedication and devotion.

It’s especially impressive when a college student finds the time to volunteer, in addition to all the work and stress that comes with their studies and their co-curricular responsibilities. It’s even more impressive and somewhat rare when that same student continues to volunteer year after year. Ash is one of those rare students. For the past two years, he has volunteered at the Front Desk weekly while also juggling a job. He is compassionate, kind and giving, dependable and responsible, with aspirations for a career in medicine. We’re grateful he chose to spend his limited free time helping our guests and proud he’s part of our team.

Mary came to us though the South Euclid Garden Club. Her “Dirt Date” (the day she started her work in the garden) was June 5, 2008 at precisely 9:30 a.m. – per Bobbe Katzman’s orders! She has been a diligent and committed member of our garden volunteer team each week. She brings a wealth of horticultural knowledge, is a meticulous weeder, and a has keen sensitivity to our mission. Most of all, she has a full understanding of the purpose of the gardens, and what they mean to our families.

Lauren began volunteering in the Ronald McDonald House kitchen early in 2018. Her original schedule was 5-8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but when she quickly realized the House was in need of more help she jumped at the opportunity to volunteer more of her time to assist. She switched her shifts to 3-8:30pm to help with groups, and cook sweet treats with kids staying at RMH. On top of providing help as a volunteer in the kitchen, she also volunteered at fundraising events including Night at the Races, Pack the Q, Ambassador Council Happy Hour, and Wine Women & Shoes. She also donates to help provide meals for the families when there are no groups to cook.

When asked what makes her keep coming back to volunteer more and more, Lauren simply said, “The House is my happy place, and I just want to help make it better.”

Bob and Bonnie came to us in the spring of 2017 though a volunteer fair sponsored by the Jewish Federation. They are one of our valued couple teams here at the House.

Bonnie is one of the famous Pantry Engineers – weekly she diligently sorts donations, readies lunches, organizes the pantry and storerooms, and much more … all with purpose and a smile.

Bob is a key member of the equally famous Maintenance Team. Bob brings a calm capability to the team – keeping our guest rooms ready for incoming families, assuring that our carpets and common areas are clean, and so much more.

Both Bob and Bonnie are always willing to do whatever it takes. They are a wonderful team and bring their deep dedication and purpose to the House and our families each week.

Helen Rapp is an engineer manager who works full-time. She is a wife and the mother of three adult children, two of whom have special needs. Helen is also a new attorney, having pursued her J.D. from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law due to her desire to assist families of children with special needs navigate systems.

Helen is an integral part of the the Red Treehouse project funded by the Ohio State Bar Foundation. She works on the project pro bono, using vacation time to volunteer at the house weekly, mentoring four law student interns. She spends many a night and weekend researching and posting resources, and authoring guides on legal and advocacy issues. Helen helps to organize webinars, participates as a panelist, staffs conference information tables, and co-presented at the National Family and Community Engagement Conference. She and her daughter Janie even shared their personal stories for Red Treehouse videos.

Lynda embodies the true definition of volunteerism – a selfless devotion to something bigger than yourself. In addition to her regular weekly shift, Lynda Daugherty and her Solon Girls serve our Marc’s/Stancato’s meals each month. She also comes in to serve on holidays, including every Thanksgiving. Her commitment and significant service to families makes Lynda deserving of this honor.

Mary also embodies the true definition of volunteerism – a selfless devotion to something bigger than yourself. To volunteer her six shifts a month in our Room, and two at the House, Mary Masters drives more than an hour each way. She truly represents everything that we are, and what we do. She truly gets it. She is a big part of our “Continuous Improvement” initiative in the Room, and has served many holiday meals, including on Christmas. She goes above and beyond for our families, earning her this honor.

Elizabeth is a student at Baldwin Wallace University. Her physical challenges as a result of spina bifida have not kept her from doing anything she wanted, including pursuing a college degree and volunteering. She never shies away from any task in the Family Room, including supporting the families. She recently was asked to speak with a patient who had been informed of the permanent need to use a wheel chair. Elizabeth was an inspiration to the patient, providing assurance that a full life was possible, one filled with unlimited opportunities.

Kathy Thomas has been a volunteer for nine months and has logged 115 hours. Her fellow Family Room Volunteer Judy Barone, who trained Kathy, says, “She is kind and considerate, quite about being a Sister, and she always covers my shifts while I am South.”

Ken has been volunteering in the Family Room for over five years in addition to volunteering at the House. He volunteers every week, picks up extra shifts, and comes in on holidays, when the Room is especially important to families. Ken helps in any way he can, adding to his normal duties by entering family registration cards and making small maintenance repairs. Ken is a dedicated volunteer who genuinely cares, as demonstrated by his ideas for improvement and the fact that he drives almost an hour to volunteer. Families love Ken as well. He makes everyone feel comfortable and is easy to talk with. He is a proud grandfather, beaming as he shares photos. Ken is also very humble, always brushing off compliments. Ken is truly appreciated and deserving of the volunteer of merit award.

We are re-running this blog post from December 6, 2016 in memory of a dear friend of the House, Fred Close, who passed away on September 17, 2018.

We are excited to announce that OUR POND, a series of original children's stories, is now available online. The stories are donated to the Ronald McDonald House by Fred and Angela Close. These hopeful stories, which encourage the animals to use their special skills to problem solve, were written by Fred, narrated and illustrated by Angela, and are cloaked with the beautiful music of Simeon Wood.

Fred, who had no siblings, was lonely as a child, so he invented adventures for his stuffed animal toys. One day his father bought him the record, "Peter and the Wolf," a narrated story accompanied by beautiful music. He loved it so much he played it over and over again.

Several years ago, I had a dream about ‘Peter and the Wolf,’ and I had a wonderful idea. Why not write another story with friendly animals living around a beautiful Pond and somehow add the music?

— Fred Close

BOING, HIDE, & RIDE

He wrote several stories, and Angela narrated them. On a cruise in the Indian Ocean, they met Simeon Wood, who performed for the guests. Simeon loved the stories and volunteered to compose and play the music for all the animals. And the rest is history! Now a collection of five delightful stories recount the adventures of Nozzle, Jazz, Whizzy, Twitter, Zanzibar, Old Kate, Bubblebath, Shard, Snag, Clump, Sally, Posey, and Boing.

Fred and Angela, who live part of the year in England, are forming a partnership with a Ronald McDonald House in the UK to share these stories with their families. They see the stories as a way to share their love with RMH families for many years to come.

The Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland is honored to be called "home" by many of our guests. Below is note of gratitude from Sarah Markley, who stayed at the House with her daughter, Emma, as she went through a pain management program at a local hospital.

"Hello, my name is Sarah Markley. For the past three weeks I have been staying here at the Ronald McDonald House with my oldest daughter, Emma. Almost a year and a half ago, Emma began with a headache that has never gone away. We live in a suburb outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and are very fortunate to live near many outstanding hospitals. Emma was seen at DuPont Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). She turned 18 and was then able to be seen at Jefferson University Hospital. Despite the amazing care, Emma’s headache refused to go away. She was diagnosed with a chronic headache disorder called New Daily Persistent Headache, one that is untreatable and results in a lifelong condition of daily chronic pain.

It was on the one year anniversary of Emma’s headache that my husband, John, and I began to realize that we could not let our sweet daughter continue to allow this headache to rob from her life. It was then that I read about the IMATCH program, a pain program specifically for chronic headaches, at the Cleveland Clinic. In May, John, Emma and I drove close to seven hours to meet the doctors and learn more about the program. It was during the drive home, we realized that this was the exact thing that Emma needed. She needed to learn how to live again despite daily, constant 7 out of 10 pain. The problem would be "How we were going to afford to live three weeks in Cleveland to get Emma that help?" Emma, you see is the oldest of our four children and over the past year and a half, she has had ER visits, two hospitalizations, and an extensive amount of doctor visits and many new medicines to try. All of this already weighed heavy on our wallet.

When I shared all of this with the receptionist at IMATCH, she immediately suggested that we take a look at the Ronald McDonald House. Pricing out hotels even with a Cleveland Clinic discount, our stay would have been well over $3,000. Then add meals on top of that. We all agreed that the only way that we could get Emma the help she needed was if we were able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House. The day before we were to leave, we got the call that told us there would be a room in which we could stay. The next morning at 6AM, Emma and I set off to Cleveland,Ohio.

... the only way that we could get Emma the help she needed was if we were able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House. 

— Sarah Markley

Our time here has been an absolute blessing and we have taken nothing for granted. While Emma spends her days learning ways to cope and live again, I am busy writing thank you cards with sincere gratitude for everyone involved at the Ronald McDonald House, from the milk donation, to the washer and dryer company. We are most grateful to everyone involved both past, present and future at the House. It has been a wonderful home away from home. You have enabled us the chance to give Emma tools for survival, ones she will be taking with her in two weeks when she leaves for college to study psychology and hopefully someday help children who also live with chronic pain. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts." - Sarah Markley

Without donors, Ronald McDonald Houses cannot help families be near their children during unsettling times. You ensure that the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland is ready and able to help these families during their time of greatest need…no matter where they are from. Help us continue to serve our families.

The National Sports Collectors Convention (NSCC), the premier showcase event of the sports collectible industry, has chosen Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland (RMH) as the charity partner for their 39th Annual show! The convention runs August 1st through 5th at the Cleveland IX Center.

Highlighting NSCC’s support is the donation of a Once in a Lifetime VIP Experience for one lucky RMH family. The VIP prize includes a personal behind-the‑scenes tour of the show, meet and greets and photo-ops with superstar athletes and entertainers, limited edition trading cards, free autographs and a personal $3,500 shopping spree to purchase some great signed memorabilia and trading cards from exhibitors on the floor of the NSCC, thanks to The Industry Summit, Beckett Media and HandBid Auctions.

Update! Photos from the NSCC VIP Experience winners, the Fritz Family. See more here.

We’re thrilled to be able to offer a family this special VIP Experience. To broaden their support, NSCC has generously invited additional RMH families to attend the show as their guests and will be conducting an online auction, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting our mission.

— Craig Wilson, RMH Executive Director

HandBid, a mobile app auction platform, is donating their services for the online auction of sports memorabilia. The NSCC Auction is now LIVE and is scheduled to close Saturday night, August 4th at 9 pm E.T. Items will continue to be added throughout the convention. Anyone may bid on auction items, and need not be present to win. RMH and HandBid will also be on-site, at the show, sharing exhibitor booths #963 and #1063 in the NSCC corporate area.

The opportunity to give back to the community and make a difference in a child’s life is extremely rewarding for the NSCC, our exhibitors and show attendees.

— John Broggi, NSCC Show Promoter

And that’s not all! RMH families will be guests of NSCC and the IX Center at Friday’s Cleveland Indians game. One family will be on the field with NSCC and RMH representatives for the check presentation prior to the game.

For more information about the show, visit www.NSCCShow.com. Stay tuned to RMH social media for live streams, photos of the winning families and more from the NSCC!

Cleveland is a foodie town, and in the past decade the food scene has exploded. Thanks to social media, so has blogging about the best treats and eats in town. We often turn to these social media gurus to point us in the direction of where to eat and what to order, as they showcase the best eateries around.

The RISE & Dine meal program, which pairs Cleveland Chefs with volunteer groups, is relatively new but has already made a significant impact not only in the lives of the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, but in the community as well. Chefs volunteer their time to serve incredible food that offers variety and comfort to the families. The volunteers not only get to spend the afternoon learning from Cleveland’s top chefs, but they also get to help feed the families at the House.

On July 10th, prominent Cleveland food bloggers volunteered their time, and social media skills, to the House by participating in a RISE & Dine experience with Melt Bar & Grilled founder, Matt Fish, and Director of Operations, Neil Sanchez. Under the guidance of Melt, the bloggers worked at five different stations to help prepare the evening’s meal. Given the summer season, the dinner was BBQ inspired and consisted of Melt’s famous Backyard BBQ Grilled Cheese sandwich (a vegan version was also prepared), potato salad, and watermelon salad.

It was such a gratifying and eye opening experience to serve the families at the Cleveland Ronald McDonald House RISE & Dine Event.

— Michelle Koehn, @clevelandfoodiegirl

Following dinner, the group toured the House to learn more about the impact of their volunteerism. The RISE & Dine program is a unique experience, and the bloggers were able to combine their passion for food and Cleveland pride to raise awareness for the Ronald McDonald House and the program. Their involvement helped to make this extraordinary event memorable. “It was a fun and rewarding experience and [we] are looking forward to doing this again sometime in the future.” said Heena and Kushal Mistry of @KushFood.

Know a group who would be interested in participating in a RISE & Dine experience to help feed families staying at the Ronald McDonald House? Click the button below and submit a Group Volunteer Form today!

In many cases, families of pediatric patients are simply unable to leave the hospital, sometimes for days at a time. The newly-opened Ronald McDonald Hospitality Suite at MetroHealth Medical Center provides crucial overnight respite for families of the most vulnerable patients, just steps from their child’s treatment room. Located directly across from the PICU, the Suite features four private rooms spacious enough to accommodate up to three guests. Each is equipped with a bed, recliner, writing desk and mini-fridge. Guests are provided with a keepsake quilt and welcome basket filled with snacks, water, writing tablet, tissues and resource information. The rooms share a quiet lounge area with a TV, comfortable La-Z-Boy furniture, vending machines, private restroom and shower stocked with fresh towels and toiletry items.

The Hospitality Suite opened on June 19 with a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony and tour. Speakers included RMH Cleveland Executive Director Craig Wilson, Board President Keith Strauss, Dr. David Roberts, MetroHealth Director of Pediatric Hospitalists, and MetroHealth President and CEO Dr. Akram Boutros. Mr. Strauss spoke of his personal connection to the Ronald McDonald House, which began years ago when he was a guest of RMH St. Louis following the premature birth of his son. Dr. Boutros talked about the growth and focus of the MetroHealth System and stressed the importance of supporting families as an integral part of caring for children undergoing medical treatment. Dr. Roberts echoed this, citing evidence that reducing barriers to parents’ active participation in their child’s care is a medical necessity. Attendees from room sponsors Quicken Loans and RSM, along with 45 other guests enjoyed cake and snacks, while learning how their generous contributions support the Ronald McDonald House mission of Keeping Families Close®.

The Ronald McDonald Hospitality Suite at MetroHealth is the first in Ohio, and is expected to serve hundreds of people per year, free of charge. Just down the hall from the Hospitality Suite is the Ronald McDonald Family Room, which has hosted over 96,000 visitors since opening in 2010. Open from 9am – 9pm daily, the Family Room is equipped with a lounge area, full kitchenette stocked with snacks and beverages, children’s play area, computer with internet access, and other things that bring comfort to families so they can remain strong for their children.

The impact of these programs is best described by families who have used them. One parent whose child underwent heart surgery wrote to us “I truly don't know what we would have done without this Family Room. I never left the hospital for 5 days and visited this room 3x a day, even to just step away for 10 minutes to breath...I am so grateful.”

The Family Room was such a wonderful place when we needed a quiet moment, a quick snack or a place to visit with family and friends. We cannot express how grateful we were…the room was truly a respite during a physically and emotionally exhausting time for our family.

— Parent of child undergoing treatment at MetroHealth

In addition to the Hospitality Suite and Family Room at Metro, Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland provides a home-like environment and essential resources and services for up to 55 families per night at our University Circle guesthouse and operates Family Rooms at UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s, Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital. All Hospitality Suite and Family Room Services are offered to families free of charge. For a room at the House, we ask for just a $20/night donation, but never turn away a family for inability to pay. With the help of our generous donors and dedicated volunteer force, we were able to serve over 109,000 individuals in 2017. For more information about our services or how you can become involved, visit our website at http://www.rmhcleveland.org or call us at 216-229-5757.

The illness of a child can often tear a family apart; the stress for some being too difficult to bear, but for Cory Poling and Lori Irwin, it only brought their family closer together. When their daughter, Collins Poling, was two years old, Cory and Lori separated. Eventually, Cory moved up to Toledo, Ohio and Collins split her time living there with her father and in Decatur, Indiana with her mother. In late July 2016, Collins suffered her first grand mal seizure and was taken to a hospital in Toledo. She stayed at the hospital for 11 days while the doctors tried to figure out how to stop the seizures. When the seizures stopped, she was sent back to Decatur with her mother, while continuing to see a neurologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

For almost a year and a half, things seemed to be getting back to normal; while the doctors were unsure of the cause of Collins’ seizures, she hadn’t suffered any recent attacks. However, that changed on December 22, 2017 when Collins had her second grand mal seizure. She was taken to the hospital in Fort Wayne and was tested to try to find the cause of her attack. After an extensive 24 hour EEG, the seizures continued but their cause was still unknown. The family was eventually referred to the Cleveland Clinic.

It was a trying situation for Cory and Lori, having to come up to Cleveland to try to help their daughter, while not having any real information about the situation. When they contacted the Cleveland Clinic to make their appointments, they were also looking for a place to stay, and were referred to the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland. Cory and Lori arrived at the Ronald McDonald House in mid-March and stayed for 12 days. While their daughter was benefiting from the care at the Cleveland Clinic, Cory and Lori benefited from the support system they had at the House. They were able to talk to volunteers, employees, and other families that had a child going through similar situations.

It is a support to hear their story, to know that they’re going through the same things, it helps a lot.

— Lori Irwin

Collins, along with her parents and grandparents, Barry and Judy Poling, returned to the House twice after that, once in May and again in June. On May 4th, it was discovered that Collins had a lesion in one of the grooves (sulci) of her brain, on a part that had not properly formed while she was in the womb. When they returned in June, Collins had the operation to remove the lesion.

The Polings said that staying at the Ronald McDonald House put their minds at ease; from Grandpa Barry taking naps in the comfort of one of the Family Rooms in the hospital, to Cory, Lori, and Collins attending Cavs games, to meals provided to families by volunteers, the House was a major source of support. The House offered the whole family a way to relax and deal with their situation together. While this was a difficult situation for all involved, Collins’ family obviously grew closer. “Through all this, we’ve [Lori and I] reunited,” said Cory Poling. As a family, Collins, Cory, and Lori are moving on from one chapter in their life to a much happier one.

Would you like to help make a difference in the lives of the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House? Just $20 helps to cover the cost for a family to stay the night at the House. Click the button below to donate today.

My hope is no parents have to use a Ronald McDonald House, but when they do, they will see just how wonderful your work is. The Ronald McDonald House made a very anxious time reasonable.

— Chris Delavega

Chris and his wife, Amie, knew something wasn’t quite right with Ryan. At age one, he was not developing at the same pace that his big sister, Sadie, had. He wasn’t reaching typical milestones like crawling and pulling himself up. Ryan’s physical therapist suspected he may have Cerebral Palsy, which his doctors later confirmed.

Despite intensive physical therapy, Ryan’s physical progress plateaued, and he began to regress. The Delavegas learned of a doctor in St. Louis who performed a special surgery that might help Ryan. Without the surgery 5-year-old Ryan, who can walk short distances with the assistance of a walker, would eventually be wheelchair-bound.

After Ryan was approved for surgery, Chris and Amie made plans to stay in St. Louis for the five days Ryan would be at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. The hotel they found was not ideal; they would be required to drive back and forth each day. When their friend, who works at the Cleveland Ronald McDonald House, found out about their situation, she told them about the Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis, which is a short walk to the hospital. With a little help from Cleveland, the Delavegas received an apartment at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis.

I really can’t say enough great things about our St. Louis Ronald McDonald House experience. The ability to leave the hospital for a shower in peace, sit and relax, and grab a meal was priceless. The community meals were a great place to vent, learn, and understand from other parents just how challenging and fortunate some have it. You know, I can’t remember what I ate yesterday, but I still remember those dinners and the conversations.

— Chris Delavega

And the best news! Since his December surgery, Ryan has made remarkable progress. His muscles and joints are more elastic. He is able to stand on his own and has been taking his first unassisted steps. Despite a long journey ahead of them—four years of physical therapy 10 hours a week—the Delavegas are excited and encouraged that Ryan will someday be walking and jumping.

Chris and Amie are looking forward to helping Ronald McDonald House families in Cleveland. “We so admire what you do for families and appreciate the support the Ronald McDonald House network has given to our family.” They are already signed up to volunteer their gift of time to RMH.

Without donors, Ronald McDonald Houses cannot help families be near their children during unsettling times. You ensure that the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland is ready and able to help these families during their time of greatest need…no matter where they are from. Help us continue to serve our families.

At the Ronald McDonald House, volunteer groups come together each night to cook a delicious homemade meal that feeds as many as 55 families. This longstanding program allows volunteers to witness firsthand the Ronald McDonald House mission, which in turn has led to many fruitful relationships between RMH and the Cleveland community. In 2017, groups served 563 meals to families staying at the House. The meals, provided at no cost, save families much needed time and money. This allows them to better care for their child who is receiving medical treatment in area hospitals.

Cleveland is a foodie town. And several award-winning chefs call it home. How could we as an organization provide more high quality and healthful meals for our families and tap into Cleveland’s rich food resource. Also, while RMH has a history of impressive support from business and community groups that cook and donate meals, some groups have asked for more guidance in preparing a meal to feed 100 people staying at the House.Welcome the new Family Meal program, RISE & Dine

Chef John Selick cooks with RMH Board and Ambassador Council members

Chef April Thompson with Creech and Szczyglowski Families

Melt's Matt Fish (founder) and Neil Sanchez (Director of Operations)

Verizon of Mentor poses for a selfie during Melt RISE & Dine

Families at RMH enjoy a RISE & Dine meal

JACK Casino Chefs prep for RISE & Dine with AT&F

Through the RISE & Dine program, groups donate money to participate. Local chefs are recruited to plan the menu and purchase the food. The group then comes together in the RMH kitchen to cook with the chef, serve the meal, and dine with the families staying at the House. Not only does the group enjoy a delicious meal, they get a culinary lesson too.

You can change people’s lives here, or at least make things go smoother. Kind words go far, along with a hug, or a ‘How are you doing?’ It’s amazing. RISE and Dine has probably done more for me than I have for them.

— April Thompson, RISE & Dine Chef

The program currently has three core chefs; April Thompson, Andy Newman, and Sonia Steele. John Selick, visiting RISE & Dine Chef of the American Culinary Federation, and his family previously stayed at a Ronald McDonald House while his son was being treated for complications from autism. Recognizing the benefits the House has for families in a time of need, John helped co-create the program with RMH. RISE & Dine also utilizes local celebrity chefs to participate. On March 29, Matt Fish from Melt Bar & Grilled, who’s been featured on the Food Network, conducted a RISE & Dine at the House and made his most popular sandwich, the Parmageddon, which won USA Today's Best Ballpark Food contest, comparing stadium eats in Major League parks in 2016.

What value can you place on a glass of lemonade? Dr. Arthur Burns understood the healing power that one kind gesture could have on his patients.

Dr. Burns dedicated more than 50 years of his life serving children as a pediatrician at Rainbow Babies & Children’s. Dr. Burns’ patients truly meant the world to him and his beloved wife of 70 years, Edwina.

I will be 65, and I still remember Dr. Burns. What a wonderful man. I seemed to get sick every Christmas and would have to go to the doctor. He never refused to see me even when my mom didn’t have money to pay. As an adult, I adopted two boys, and he took care of them. I will never forget. Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful gift.

— F.T., Maple Heights, OH

When pediatric patients were having a particularly difficult time, Dr. Burns would visit them with a special treat—lemonade or hot chocolate. It was his mission to lift children’s spirits when they were at their lowest.

Dr. Burns passed away on February 26, 2016. He had lost Edwina a few years earlier. However, their legacy will continue to live on through charitable bequests they made in their estate plans to support organizations dedicated to providing pediatric care in the community.

The Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland was the beneficiary of $10,000 from the Burns estate. We wanted to find just the right way to honor Dr. & Mrs. Burns’ legacy at Rainbow. Volunteers at the Ronald McDonald Family Room deliver gifts and snacks to families who cannot leave the pediatric ward. Volunteers visit the patient rooms and spread a little joy. Each year the Happy Wheels cart at Rainbow delivers happiness to nearly 2,500 patients and their families. We could think of no better way to honor them and their love for children than naming the Happy Wheels cart in their memory for the next two years.

Guess what goody has been added to the cart…lemonade!

The Burns’ gift not only touches our families and children, it touches the lives of the volunteers who deliver to the rooms. Here’s an example of their impact.

“My name is Dana Lowrie, and I am a sophomore at Case Western Reserve University studying nursing. You may have seen me either working the front desk or pushing the Happy Wheels Cart.

The Happy Wheels Cart is one of the most rewarding experiences I have been able to be a part of in the Family Room. Many parents that are staying with their children do not get the opportunity to come to the Family Room for various reasons. When we bring the Happy Wheels Cart onto the patient room floors, we are able to give the families light snacks and other items that help to make their day a little better. One of my favorite parts of Happy Wheels is getting to interact with the patients. I remember one time that I gave a child a teddy bear and it made her so happy, she could not stop smiling. Putting smiles on the faces of families and their children is one of the best parts of this job.

I feel that this room has given me the opportunity to impact families in a positive way. This room has also allowed me to see patients and families outside of the clinical setting and to get to know and help them in a different way.”

We were delighted at the opportunity to honor Dr. Burns through a donation to the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland. Through this gift, Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland has made it possible for Dr. Burns to continue to provide care, and hopefully a few smiles, to pediatric patients at Rainbow.

— Kelly Slattery, who facilitated the gift on behalf of Dr. Burns estate

Dr. & Mrs. Burns’ gift will impact nearly 5,000 Rainbow families. Visit our planned giving page, and learn how you too can make a difference in the lives of RMH families.

Inclusion and celebrating diversity are important to the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland. In 2017, we served more than 830 families from 17 countries, 37 states, and 63 counties in Ohio. Many families we serve speak only their native language. Couple the difficulties in communicating simple needs with the uncertainty of a new area and caring for their child, families can have an overwhelming experience. Recognizing the importance of the Ronald McDonald House, Katie Cirincione, a junior at Westlake High School and Girl Scout member, wanted to help.

After learning about the House and the diversity of the families we serve, Katie decided to focus on the Ronald McDonald House for part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project. The goal of the 80-hour service project was to create something that has a lasting impact on the community. Katie has loved foreign languages for as long as she can remember. For her project, she decided to use this love to help enrich and strengthen the cultural diversity found at the Ronald McDonald House. In September 2017, Katie began collecting the foreign language books that would be placed in two language libraries: one for Westlake Porter Public Library to help inspire others to learn a foreign language and the other for the Ronald McDonald House guests to enjoy.

Over the next several months, she received donated books from Westlake Porter Public Library, Half Price Books, Lorain County Community College, and family and friends. During the collection process, she learned more about languages she hadn't been exposed to and had discussions with friends about different cultures and topics they normally wouldn’t have explored.

The Ronald McDonald House staff was really appreciative, and I got really excited to learn more about the people who would get to use the language library!

— Katie Cirincione

With the shelves of her language library filled with books, Katie made a visit at the end of February to deliver the library to families at the House.

The language library, comprised of books in Spanish, French, German, Arabic, and other languages, is now proudly on display at the Ronald McDonald House and is helping the House feel more like home for our international guests. Katie hopes the libraries help inspire others to discover a love for language, one she hopes to continue to explore thoughout her life. Katie speaks Spanish fluently and is in her first year studying French. She would like to make a career using her skills in both languages.

Katie's Girl Scout Gold Award project officially ends with a Culture Fair at the Westlake Porter Public Library on Sunday, March 18, 2-4 pm. All are welcome to this free event where there will be a story hour in different languages, the language library will be on display, and people of different cultures within the community will host informational tables.

Sometimes dreams really do come true. On January 28, the Turner family from Sandusky received a surprise of a lifetime when Nino and his son, Zion, received tickets to the Cavs game from the Cavaliers ownership team. Little did they know that what they thought were regular seats turned out to be court side... right next to the Cavs bench!

The Turners are currently staying at the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland. Their oldest son, Jesiah, has been receiving treatment for water surrounding his brain, a condition he's had for nearly four years.

Below are Bettyna Turner's words of thanks to the Cavaliers and the Ronald McDonald House for turning her family's dream into a reality.

I want share how much the Sunday, Jan. 28 CAVS tickets that were given to my husband, Nino, and our son, Zion, meant to my entire family.

The day before the game I was leaving the hospital after visiting my 14-year-old son, Jesiah, who has been suffering with water on the brain for nearly four years. On the ride back to the Ronald McDonald House, where I am currently staying, I began having a conversation with God. I don’t really know if I was praying or just speaking out loud, but I chuckled to myself, and I began to remind God what HE is capable of: “God, I know you are able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that I can ask…” I went on to ask Him to give my husband, who is selfless and who works many hours to take care of us, something that his heart desired. I asked Him to sustain Zion, who is often left with family so that we can take care of his brother. Then, probably for the 10,000 time I asked for God to heal my son, Jesiah.

The Ronald McDonald House gave Nino and Zion those tickets, and I consider that to be the direct answer to my prayer the day before. Neither my husband nor my son has ever been to a CAVS game. My husband had repeatedly mentioned that he wished to go, but it has not been possible with the extended health crisis of our oldest son. When they got to the game they were escorted all the way down to the floor to sit. They sat right next to the players! My small words cannot quantify the experience you all gifted a father and son. Our entire world and family were so happy Nino and Zion, two people who humbly endure the bad things in life, were experiencing something that would have never happened without the generosity of the CAVS and the Ronald McDonald House! Thank you!

The Turner family

Jesiah Turner

Nino and Zion Turner

Jesiah, and I watched the game from his hospital room. He was so happy for his dad and his brother. As I write this, my eyes have tears. So many people who I cannot see and whom I do not know played a part in blessing my family with an unbelievable and unforgettable experience. Jeff Green took off his game shoes and gave my son his shoes! JR gave Zion his arm band. Derrick Rose signed an autograph and actually had a conversation with my husband. The way they were treated by everyone, the generosity of Jeff Green, JR Smith, and Derrick Rose is exceedingly and abundantly above what any of us could have asked. When the game was over, Zion brought Mr. Green’s game shoes to the hospital and put them on his brother's feet.

Jesiah has been sick for a long time. He’s had 36 brain surgeries, and a rare stomach cancer. He suffers with chronic pain, and my faith was wavering and my heart was so heavy. This experience has helped me to know that God sees my little family, He hears my little prayers, and He feels the pain of my broken heart. I am reassured that He is still answering prayers and creating miracles. The same way God answered my prayer for Nino and Zion is the same way I expect Him to perform a miracle and heal my son: Exceedingly and Abundantly above all that I can think to ask.

With love for being an essential part of my family’s blessings,Bettyna Turner

Help us continue to serve families like the Turners. The Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland is made possible because of the generosity and support of our community. Just $20 helps to cover the cost of a family to stay at the House for a night.

Since the day he was born, Chris and Amie Delavega and their family and friends knew their son was special. Five-year-old Ryan Delavega was born prematurely and spent his first couple of weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Over the following year, Chris and Amie noticed something about their son was different. Ryan’s physical development wasn’t on pace with their daughter Sadie when she was born and other babies Ryan’s age. He was having particular trouble with one side of his body. Looking for answers, Chris and Amie sought counsel from their pediatrician to diagnose Ryan’s condition, and Ryan was started on physical therapy. After months of testing, Ryan’s physical therapist, Deborah Langendoen, noticed similarities between Ryan and some of her other patients and suggested Ryan be tested for cerebral palsy. The Delavegas finally had the answer they were looking for. Ryan was one year old.

With a diagnosis set, Ryan began an extensive physical therapy program with Deborah so he could get a jump on developing the necessary motor skills that would help support muscle functionality and growth. It was during this time when everyone else who met Ryan learned what his family already knew. Ryan was special, he was strong, and he was driven. During his rigorous three-hours-a-week physical therapy sessions and daily at-home regimen, Ryan never let his situation get the best of him, keeping a positive attitude and inspiring others. Along the way he made strides toward his goal of being able to walk on his own, eventually gaining the ability to use a walker.

While Ryan became stronger in his therapy sessions, Chris, Amie, and their daughter Sadie became strong advocates for cerebral palsy awareness. The Delavegas, along with support from family and friends, created a “Raising for Ryan” running team and a “Friends of Raising for Ryan Delavega” Facebook page to keep people connected to Ryan’s progress and to raise awareness and support for people impacted by cerebral palsy. They now have the largest running team for United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland’s Race to Empower 5k.

Amie and Ryan

Running for Ryan Group

In 2017, after years of progress, Ryan began showing signs of regression. In an effort to turn the tide back toward progress, Ryan was selected by Dr. Park of St. Louis Children’s Hospital to have SDR (selective dorsal rhizotomy) surgery. The goal of the surgery was to give Ryan the best possible chance to be an independent walker. With surgery set for December, the Delavegas made plans for their stay in St. Louis. Looking for a place to call home for a few days, the family was connected to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis by the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland. There they found a welcoming staff and the support and resources they would need over the following days while Ryan underwent his operation.

I really can’t say enough great things about our St. Louis Ronald McDonald House experience. My hope is no parents have to use a Ronald McDonald House, but when they do, they will see just how wonderful your work is. St. Louis Ronald McDonald House staff was amazing but the ability to leave the hospital for a shower in peace, sit and relax, and grab a meal was priceless.

After a successful surgery and return trip home, the family was surprised with tickets to the Cleveland Cavaliers game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in January. Through a partnership between the Cavaliers and the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland, the tickets included the opportunity for Ryan and Sadie to walk on to the court and stand with the Cavaliers players during the National Anthem. Ryan had made incredible progress following surgery and at the Cavs game was able to walk onto the court and stand next to one of the biggest stars in the NBA, Dwyane Wade. As the National Anthem began, Dwyane reached down and gently took Ryan’s hand to hold during the Star-Spangled Banner. The kind gesture created a special moment in Ryan’s life that he and his family will remember forever.

“The Cavs game for the kids was just incredible,” said Chris about the experience. The moment, captured by Gus Chan of The Plain Dealer, was shared on Cavs social media thousands of times, and Ryan won the hearts of people all over Cleveland. What made the moment even more memorable was having Ryan’s physical therapist, Deborah, able to assist Ryan as he made his way to Dwayne Wade’s side.

Each day Ryan continues to improve, but he still has a long way to go. The family is planning a trip back to St. Louis soon for what should be his final surgery. In the meantime, Chris and Amie have offered to pay it forward and help the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland through volunteering their time to make a difference.

We need to show our appreciation for the generosity the Ronald McDonald House showed us when we needed it most.

— Chris and Amie Delavega

Through the generosity and support of our community the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland is able to be a place families like the Delavegas call home during difficult times. To make a difference in the lives of the families we serve, please consider making a donation by clicking the button below.

Many families face common challenges when they return home from the hospital. These include learning about and accessing available services and supports, as well as connecting with families in situations similar to their own. That’s why we created RedTreehouse.org. The site connects a diverse and passionate community of families, young adults, professionals and organizations to:

share resources that support children and empower caregivers, families and young adults, prenatal to age 25;

link users to organizations and events matching their needs, interests, and location;

encourage community connections and development of support networks to promote health and well-being;

serve as a resource and reference tool for timely, reliable, easy-to-access information; and

In many cases, families of pediatric patients are unable to leave the hospital, sometimes for many days at a time. The Ronald McDonald Family Room at MetroHealth Medical Center provides these families a place to rest and recharge just steps from their child’s treatment room. Open 9 am to 9 pm daily, the Family Room is equipped with a lounge area, full kitchenette stocked with snacks and beverages, children’s play area, computer with internet access, and other things that bring comfort to families so they can remain strong for their children.

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of the Ronald McDonald Hospitality Suite at MetroHealth Medical Center, which will provide crucial overnight respite for families of Cleveland’s most vulnerable patients. The Suite will feature four private rooms spacious enough to accommodate up to three guests. Each will be equipped with a mini-fridge and welcome basket with snacks, water, writing tablet, tissues, and resource information.

The rooms will share a quiet lounge area with a TV, comfortable La-Z-Boy furniture, vending machines, and a restroom with shower. Fresh linens, towels, and toiletry items will be provided. Guests will continue to have access to the Ronald McDonald Family Room during the day.

The Ronald McDonald Hospitality Suite at MetroHealth is the first in Ohio, and is expected to serve hundreds of people per year, free-of-charge. Since our Family Room at Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital expanded in September to include two respite rooms, it has already hosted more 125 overnight guests.

One of the first to benefit from this service was a new mother, who described her experience as “…a blessing. It was so helpful and comforting to be able to be with [my son] during the day and overnight for his feedings and kangaroo care. I can only imagine the added stress had I had to leave the hospital while he was still in the NICU.”

It was one of the hardest weeks of our lives, and using the room certainly meant the world to us. We can never begin to express how grateful we were…

— Fairview Family Room mother

Since opening in 2010, the Ronald McDonald Family Room at MetroHealth has served 96,000+ visitors, a number that is growing as services expand and medical treatments advance. Helping these individuals is made possible by the kindness of dedicated volunteers, who have donated more than 27,700 hours of their time. In order to continue our mission of keeping families together, we are seeking several more Family Room and Hospitality Suite volunteers.

Please consider donating your time to help our families stay close to their children's hospital bed.